Better is the Poor Man with Integrity

1Better is a poor [man] that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.

2Also that a person be without knowledge is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet maketh false steps.

3The folly of man distorteth his way, and his heart is irritated against Jehovah.

4Wealth addeth many friends; but the poor is separated from his friend.

5A false witness shall not be held innocent, and he that uttereth lies shall not escape.

6Many court the favour of a noble; and every one is friend to a man that giveth.

7All the brethren of a poor [man] hate him; how much more do his friends go far from him: he pursueth [them] with words, -- they are not [to be found].

8He that getteth sense loveth his own soul; he that keepeth understanding shall find good.

9A false witness shall not be held innocent, and he that uttereth lies shall perish.

10Good living beseemeth not a fool; how much less for a servant to have rule over princes.

11The discretion of a man maketh him slow to anger, and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.

12The king's displeasure is as the roaring of a lion; but his favour is as dew upon the grass.

13A foolish son is the calamity of his father; and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping.

14House and wealth are an inheritance from fathers; but a prudent wife is from Jehovah.

15Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep, and the idle soul shall suffer hunger.

16He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his soul; he that is careless of his ways shall die.

17He that is gracious to the poor lendeth unto Jehovah; and what he hath bestowed will he repay unto him.

18Chasten thy son, seeing there is hope; but set not thy soul upon killing him.

19A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment; for if thou deliver [him], yet thou must do it again.

20Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.

21Many are the thoughts in a man's heart, but the counsel of Jehovah, that doth stand.

22The charm of a man is his kindness; and a poor [man] is better than a liar.

23The fear of Jehovah [tendeth] to life, and he [that hath it] shall rest satisfied without being visited with evil.

24A sluggard burieth his hand in the dish, and will not even bring it to his mouth again.

25Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware; reprove the intelligent, and he will understand knowledge.

26He that ruineth [his] father and chaseth away [his] mother is a son that causeth shame and bringeth reproach.

27Cease, my son, to hear the instruction which causeth to stray from the words of knowledge.

28A witness of Belial scorneth judgment, and the mouth of the wicked swalloweth down iniquity.

29Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of the foolish.